Art is a powerful tool to evoke social change. Without uttering a single word, artists can enlighten, educate and affect change around the world.

Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to promote diversity. The centerpiece of Embracing Our Differences is an outdoor juried art exhibit at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota featuring 50 billboard size images (12.5 feet by 16 feet) created by local, national and international artists and writers.

The display reflects the artists’ interpretations of the theme “enriching lives through diversity.” The 2019 exhibit hosted 218,000 visitors.

Embracing Our Differences invites you to participate in creating a world where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. Become a part of this exciting change through your visual art submission to the annual international juried competition. The statements accompanying each artwork are also vital and provide insight into our common humanity—as well as the differences that make us all unique.

The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Awards are given for “Best-in-Show Adult,” “Best-in-Show Student,” and “People’s Choice” categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibit. Adult winners each receive $1,000; students receive $1,000 with $500 to be directed to the student and $500 to their school’s art program, if they worked under the direction of an educator.

The 2020 exhibit will be displayed beginning January 18 in Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota.